H&C looks back at a thrilling season ahead of the World Cup Finals

The world’s top dressage riders have arrived in Paris for the FEI World Cup Finals, which takes place this weekend (13-14 April).

Thrilling season

It has been a thrilling season, and you can watch all the best bits in our review show on Friday 13 April at 9pm.

Defending champion Isabell Werth has been on incredible form, with a total of four wins, and is the clear favourite in the final with her fabulous mare Weihegold.

There are a total of 18 athletes competing, from 12 nations – but just five of them are male. There would have been six, as our own Emile Faurie qualified with Delatio, but he has withdrawn.

‘Very disappointing’

“Delatio’s been going brilliantly and we’ve been very much looking forward to competing at the World Cup Finals, but this morning he sustained a slight training injury,” said Emile.

“With the long term future of the horse in mind, we have made the decision to sadly withdraw from the Finals. It’s very disappointing, as he’s been having such a fantastic season.”

Britain will still feature at the final as Hayley Watson-Greaves and Rubins Nite have taken the last place. The pair has enjoyed a great season and received a well-deserved spot in Paris, following the withdrawal of Australian rider Mary Hanna.

Other great performances have come from Germany’s Dorothee Schneider (Sammy Davis Jr.) and Jessica von Bredow-Werndl (Unee BB).

Dressage divas

Dressage has long been dominated by women, and only four men have ever claimed the coveted World Cup title in its 33-year history. Can Edward Gal or Patrik Kittel make it a fifth win for the boys?

Patrik finishes the season at the top of the leaderboard, while Edward and the amazing stallion Totilas were champions in 2010. This year Edward is partnered with the rising star Glock’s Zonik. He is just 10 year’s old, but his extravagant movement has produced some high scores and secured a win at the qualifier at London Olympia.

You can relive all the action in FEI World Cup Dressage 2017/2018: Review when it premieres on Friday 13 April at 9pm on Horse & Country TV and Amazon Video. The show will then be available to watch on Catch Up.